Thursday, August 15, 2019

Donation A Key Assistance for Delta Families

Another August means another substantial food donation from Tyson Foods for struggling households in several Mississippi Delta counties, thanks to coordinated efforts again from Miss. U.S. Congressman Bennie Thompson’s office in Washington, D.C.

On Aug. 7th, Tyson truck driver Mendez Arnold wheeled the 18-wheeler full of chicken products – totaling 36,000 lbs.– from Russellville, Ark., onto the Tunica County G W Henderson Senior Rec Center parking lot. It’s the 10th time that Tyson has sent a truckload of product that Mid-South Food Bank will relay to nine Partner Agencies in four counties full of cotton fields close to the Mississippi River.

Todd Menotti, with Tyson, said Tyson provided 30 million meals via Food Banks across the U.S. last year alone. Tyson employes 2,000 workers in the company’s local district that includes the Delta.

Tyson’s donation won’t just feed an empty stomach, though, according to Marcia Wells, with Mid-South Food Bank. “This food donation is particular important because it’s protein. It is what clients want and it’s what they need because it’s nutritious and will help keep people healthy,” she said.

According to Feeding America, the food-insecurity rate for Coahoma County is 25 percent, Panola County is 22 percent, Tunica County is 29 percent while Quitman County is 30 percent. In recent months, Mid-South Food Bank has increased distribution in the region, including through monthly Mobile Pantry distributions - one of which was held the same morning of the Tyson donation at the same parking lot where 300 households would receive meals to last at least two weeks.

Tyson’s donation won’t just feed an empty stomach, though, according to Marcia Wells, with Mid-South Food Bank. “This food donation is particular important because it’s protein. It is what clients want and it’s what they need because it’s nutritious and will help keep people healthy,” she said.

A part of the donation was immediately transported to the Tunica Boys and Girls Club where students are involved in a culinary program called Cafe Deaux.

“Hunger is real for many families, some don’t know where their next meal is coming from, while others live in food deserts – they must travel to other counties to get to a grocery store,” said Thompson to a small audience when the truck arrived.

“Food banks and food pantries are critical on this issue and this food donation is tremendous help,” he added.